Wanda Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Wanda is a name of Slavic origin, meaning 'shepherdess' or 'wanderer.' It has evolved from the older form Vanda and is associated with legendary figures in Polish folklore. The name has gained historical popularity since the 19th century and is currently seen as charming and vintage. It does not have biblical relevance but is linked to strong female traits. Notable people with this name include comedian Wanda Sykes and singer Wanda Jackson.
The name Wanda is most popular in Oklahoma, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Wanda has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Wanda' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3543rd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1606th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1772nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3477th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 10692nd out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 114th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 56th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 67th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 153rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 885th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3241st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5336th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Wanda' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Wanda"
Pronunciation
/ˈwɑːndə/
Origin
Slavic
Etymology
The name Wanda is believed to have originated from the Slavic word 'vanda,' which means 'shepherdess' or 'wanderer.' It is often associated with the legendary Polish princess Wanda, who is said to have refused to marry a German prince and instead chose to drown herself in the Vistula River.
Meaning
shepherdess, wanderer
Language Evolution
Wanda (modern usage), Vanda (older form)
Historical Usage
Wanda gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in Poland and among Polish communities, and has since spread to other cultures and countries.
Variants & Derivatives
Vanda, Wendie, Wandi
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Wanda is perceived as vintage and charming, often associated with strong, independent women. It saw a resurgence in popularity due to cultural references in media and literature.
Famous People
Wanda Sykes (comedian and actress), Wanda Jackson (singer), Wanda Maximoff (fictional character, also known as Scarlet Witch)
Explore More Wanda Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Wanda"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Wanda"
"Wanda" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3543rd of 7545 | 84 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1606th of 6773 | 350 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1772nd of 7552 | 371 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3477th of 10718 | 140 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 10692nd of 16616 | 27 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 114th of 9107 | 39,460 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 56th of 9204 | 79,453 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 67th of 12526 | 125,461 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 153rd of 19264 | 31,631 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 885th of 27321 | 3,277 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 3241st of 35406 | 759 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 5336th of 30306 | 292 |
Regional Popularity of "Wanda" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
90.19% 2134th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
67.49% 1588th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
64.77% 1574th/2430 |
70.66% 2016th/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
61.74% 2172nd/3518 |
- |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Wanda" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
5.37% 76th/1416 |
9.79% 135th/1379 |
5.33% 126th/2366 |
8.58% 98th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
4.01% 62nd/1546 |
11.63% 181st/1556 |
1.10% 26th/2353 |
5.37% 83rd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
4.94% 110th/2227 |
5.27% 128th/2430 |
0.98% 28th/2853 |
4.61% 128th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
8.04% 236th/2937 |
4.02% 140th/3483 |
2.84% 100th/3518 |
9.97% 403rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
26.81% 988th/3685 |
15.04% 673rd/4475 |
13.75% 714th/5194 |
26.09% 1648th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
66.96% 3068th/4582 |
55.81% 2882nd/5164 |
55.03% 4024th/7313 |
68.32% 5099th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
100.00% 3984th/3984 |
- | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Wanda"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Wanda" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.